The New York City Fellowship, formerly the Magnum Foundation Fellowship, supports early-career photographers and photojournalists based in New York City. Run by the nonprofit Magnum Foundation, it combines documentary project production, mentorship, and arts administration experience.
The fellow develops and completes an in-depth New York City photography project about a social issue and meets the Magnum Foundation team every two weeks for feedback. The fellow also works 16 hours each week in the foundation’s New York City office.
Benefits & funding
- A $5,000 production grant is paid at the beginning of the fellowship for project production, completion, and distribution.
- In-office arts administration work is paid at $25 per hour for 16 hours each week, with payment every two weeks.
- Magnum Foundation staff and its extended network provide mentorship and project-development support, including feedback meetings every two weeks.
- The fellowship does not cover room, board, or transportation.
Eligibility
- Applicants must be early-career photographers or photojournalists based in New York City; the published call states no nationality restriction.
- The proposed project must be based in New York City, address a social issue, and engage New York City communities.
- Applicants should bring expertise in at least one of arts administration, research, writing, video production, or graphic design.
- Applicants of any age may apply, and no degree is required; recent graduates and self-taught photographers are welcomed.
- Having at least one completed long-term project is encouraged rather than stated as a mandatory threshold.
- Fellows must be available to work in the office on Wednesdays and Thursdays for 16 hours per week and may need to photograph occasional evening events.
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Application process
- 1Check that the proposed documentary project and weekly availability meet the New York City requirements.
- 2Prepare a resume, cover letter, project proposal, and an edited selection of past work.
- 3Submit through the official open call when the application form reopens; calls are normally issued in summer and winter.
Program timeline
September 1, 2026, 11:59 PM ET
Fall 2026 application deadline
Fall fellowship starts; the exact date is agreed with the selected fellow
Mid-September 2026
Fall fellowship ends; the exact date is agreed with the selected fellow
Mid-December 2026